Premature baby survives rare congenital tuberculosis in a life-saving medical breakthrough
In a medical feat that blends advanced science with human resilience, doctors at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children have successfully treated a premature baby diagnosed with congenital tuberculosis—an extremely rare condition passed from mother to child during pregnancy.
The infant, born weighing just 1.2 kg, had been struggling to breathe since the day of birth. Doctors later discovered he was battling not just prematurity, but also a life-threatening TB infection. After weeks of intensive care, he is now thriving, weighing 3.3 kg, and ready to go home free from oxygen support.
For the parents, residents of Ghatkopar, the baby was the answer to 13 years of prayers and infertility struggles. Conceived through IVF, their joy quickly turned to despair when the newborn’s health deteriorated within hours of birth.
Despite ventilator support at another city hospital, the baby’s condition worsened. With little hope left, the family shifted him to Wadia Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
“On arrival in July, the baby was critical and required non-invasive ventilation,” explained Dr Parmarth Chandane, Paediatric Pulmonologist. “Given the mother’s history of infertility due to genital TB and the baby’s abnormal chest imaging, we suspected congenital TB. Bronchoscopy confirmed our fears.”
Congenital TB is an uncommon diagnosis—India records fewer than 15 cases annually. Dr Ira Shah, Infectious Disease Specialist, noted that “congenital TB is a serious condition, transmitted via the placenta during pregnancy or at birth. Symptoms like respiratory distress, fever, poor feeding or failure to gain weight can easily be mistaken for other neonatal issues. Early detection is critical.”
The baby was shifted to the Paediatric TB isolation ward, placed on anti-TB medication, and closely monitored. Over the next 40 days, he gradually improved and began to gain weight.
“We had almost lost hope after so many struggles,” said the father, Nishant, visibly emotional at the discharge.
For the medical team, too, the case was both demanding and rewarding.
“Managing this case was medically and emotionally challenging,” said Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO of Wadia Hospital. “But seeing this fragile newborn recover and go home healthy has been one of the most fulfilling moments for our team.”
While India bears the world’s highest burden of tuberculosis, congenital TB remains a rare phenomenon. Experts stress the importance of awareness.
Infertility caused by genital TB in women can be a hidden risk factor. If newborns from such pregnancies show unexplained respiratory distress, congenital TB should be considered.
Congenital TB is passed from mother to baby during pregnancy (through the placenta) or at birth. Symptoms in newborns include breathing difficulty, persistent fever, poor feeding, irritability, and failure to gain weight.
The little boy’s recovery is more than just a medical achievement—it is a symbol of resilience for families struggling with infertility and rare pediatric illnesses. For his parents, it marks the beginning of a long-awaited chapter of parenthood.
Health